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Monday, December 28, 2015

EPL 2015: Manchester United miss string of chances as Van Gaal's wait for victory goes on after goalless draw with Courtois-inspired Chelsea




Manchester United 0-0 Chelsea: Nemanja Matic and Ander Herrera squander golden
MANCHESTER UNITED 0-0 CHELSEA - MARTIN SAMUEL AT OLD TRAFFORD: It may not be appreciated by the disillusioned masses, but there are at least two very good reasons to keep an eye on Manchester United and Chelsea this season. The goalkeepers. David De Gea and Thibaut Courtois were quite exceptional. Faultless, one might say, and not just because they didn't have much to do. This was really quite a good game, despite those twin zeros. Manchester United were livelier than they have been for some time and Chelsea carved out some extremely good chances, although not many of them, due to the absence of a specialist goalscorer.
 

Arsenal 2-0 Bournemouth: Gabriel and Mesut Ozil strikes return Gunners to winning ways and send Arsene Wenger's men top

  • Arsenal return to the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 win at home to Bournemouth on Monday night
  • Goals from defender Gabriel and Mesut Ozil either side of half-time enough for Arsene Wenger's men
  • Gunners will stay top over the new year if second placed Leicester drop points against Manchester City on Tuesday

It would take a hard-hearted man not to have revelled in the excellence of Mesut Ozil at The Emirates.
So it was Bournemouth, not Barcelona but nonetheless, there were periods of the game in which he played at a level which not only baffled his opponents but appeared to be dazzle his team-mates as well.
After a short spell late in the first half, when he had created at least four chances in almost as many minutes, he jogged over to take a corner to be met by a standing ovation.
Mesut Ozil doubled Arsenal's lead in the 63rd minute against Bournemouth as the Gunners claimed all three points on Monday night
The German celebrates after his goal confirmed Arsenal would return to the top of the Premier League table
The German celebrates after his goal confirmed Arsenal would return to the top of the Premier League table
Gabriel celebrates after giving Arsenal the lead against Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium 27 minutes into the first half
Gabriel celebrates after giving Arsenal the lead against Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium 27 minutes into the first half
The Brazilian defender powers home his header which sent the Gunners top of the Barclays Premier League in their last game of 2015
The Brazilian defender powers home his header which sent the Gunners top of the Barclays Premier League in their last game of 2015
Cherries goalkeeper Artur Boruc can only watch on helplessly as Gabriel's header sails into his top left-hand corner
England international Theo Walcott sees his effort on goal well saved by Boruc as Arsenal enjoyed the better of the opening 45 minutes
England international Theo Walcott sees his effort on goal well saved by Boruc as Arsenal enjoyed the better of the opening 45 minutes
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain meets the ball with his head in a crowded penalty area during a positive opening period for the home side
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain meets the ball with his head in a crowded penalty area during a positive opening period for the home side

MATCH FACTS, STATS, PLAYER RATINGS, PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE AND MATCH ZONE

Arsenal: Cech 7, Bellerin, 6 Mertesacker, 6 Gabriel, 8 Gibbs 7 (Monreal 82mins 6), Chambers, 7 Ramsey 6.5, Oxlade-Chamberlain, 6.5 (Iwobi 90) Ozil,9 Walcott 6, Giroud 7 (Campbell 81, 6.5)
Subs not used: Debuchy, Koscielny, Ospina, Reine-Adelaide
Goalscorers: Gabriel 27, Ozil 63
Booked: Ramsey, Chambers
Manager: Wenger 7
Bournemouth (4-1-4-1): Boruc 7, Smith, 6 Francis, 7 Cook, 6.5 Daniels, 5.5, Surman 6, Ritchie, 6.5 Gosling, 7 (O’Kane 6) Arter, 6.5 Pugh 6 (Stanislas HT 6), King 6.5 (Murray 81, 6)
Subs not used: Rantie, Federici, Tomlin, Distin
Manager: Howe 6.5
Referee: Roger East
Attendance: 59, 983

Mesut Ozil finished off a flowing Arsenal move to make it 2-0. For more MATCH ZONE click here.
Mesut Ozil finished off a flowing Arsenal move to make it 2-0. For more MATCH ZONE click here.
Never mind breaking Thierry Henry’s record of 20 assists this season; he looked as if he might break it in this game.
Amidst a surplus of sublime contributions, there was a pass for Theo Walcott on 39 minutes which appeared to defy physics, in that there seemed to be no gap through which to pass. Every corner he took utterly perplexed Bournemouth, such was his un-erring accuracy.
Yet until his contribution on 28 minutes, when he picked out Gabriel from a corner, who glided past his marker Charlie Daniels and headed home decisively, Arsenal had in fact looked a little unsure of themselves.
Bournemouth were all energy and verve, Arsenal seemingly playing with lingering memories of the Southampton horror show. Marc Pugh and Daniels down the left looked to have the run of Hector Bellerin early on and Arsenal were in the unaccustomed role of conceding possession to their opponents.
Yet when the German took control of proceedings, it was as though the game had moved into a different dimension, one to which only Ozil was truly attuned and which made the match almost unplayable for the team without him.
Ozil had grabbed another assist as his expertly-taken corner kick found the head of Gabriel to give Arsenal a deserved lead
Ozil had grabbed another assist as his expertly-taken corner kick found the head of Gabriel to give Arsenal a deserved lead
Gabriel jumps for a header which is touched onto the post during the opening 45 minutes at the Emirates on Monday night
Gabriel jumps for a header which is touched onto the post during the opening 45 minutes at the Emirates on Monday night
Per Mertesacker should have doubled Arsenal's lead when the ball landed invitingly for him from head height only yards away from goal
Per Mertesacker should have doubled Arsenal's lead when the ball landed invitingly for him from head height only yards away from goal
The German defender could only head wide after Gabriel's effort had come off the post and was palmed into his path by Boruc
The German defender could only head wide after Gabriel's effort had come off the post and was palmed into his path by Boruc
There was the corner for the goal, the pass for Walcott, but there was also another corner, on 40 minutes, which Gabriel flicked on the post. Amusingly, the ball rebounded off the post onto the face of Per Mertesacker, who was two yards out and apparently so alarmed to see the ball heading in his direction he managed to direct it past the post rather than inside it.
A minute later there was yet another threaded through ball for Walcott, which Artur Boruc did well to smother.
Bournemouth promised to rally in the second half and Joshua King really should have equalised for Bournemouth, dwelling on his chance and allowing Gabriel a last-ditch, saving tackle. Yet that man again proved the difference.
Olivier Giroud shows off his chest control as he looks to bring the ball down while under pressure from Bournemouth's Simon Francis
Olivier Giroud shows off his chest control as he looks to bring the ball down while under pressure from Bournemouth's Simon Francis
Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter looks to escape the attentions of Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey at the Emirates Stadium
Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter looks to escape the attentions of Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey at the Emirates Stadium
Ramsey tussles for the ball with Bournemouth forward Joshua King in a goalmouth scramble during the first 45 minutes
Ramsey tussles for the ball with Bournemouth forward Joshua King in a goalmouth scramble during the first 45 minutes
He weighed up his options on 64 minutes, exchanged a lovely one-two with Olivier Giroud, before finishing through the legs of Boruc.
It is only his eighth goal of the season and that is the area in which he has to improve, if he is to become the kind of player who can challenge for the Ballon D’Or.
But at the rate he is going, that may not matter for Arsenal come the end of the season, especially if Alexis Sanchez can get fit.
Arsenal are in an un-nerving position for their supporters: not only are they top of the league, although perhaps only for 24 hours, but they look to be the team hitting their stride at the right time.
We’ve been here before, of course, and there’s always the potential for them to play like they did at Southampton. But if Ozil can sustain his form and his team-mates can provide adequate supporting roles, those days are look much more like aberrations rather than the norm.


Both sets of players and the Emirates crowd observe a minute of applause for the late former Arsenal player Don Howe
Both sets of players and the Emirates crowd observe a minute of applause for the late former Arsenal player Don Howe


 

Gabriel and Ozil fire Arsenal to the top of the league as Gunners beat Bournemouth to bounce back from Saints mauling

Arsenal 2-0 Bournemouth: Gabriel and Mesut Ozil strikes return Gunners to winning ways and
ARSENAL 2-0 BOURNEMOUTH - ROB DRAPER AT THE EMIRATES: Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League on Monday night with a win over Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium. Goals either side of half-time from Gabriel and Mesut Ozil were enough for Arsene Wenger's men to claim victory in their last game of 2015. The Gunners will stay top over the new year if second placed Leicester drop points in their clash against Manchester City on Tuesday night.

West Ham 2-1 Southampton: Carroll and Antonio strike after Jenkinson own goal as Hammers stop the rot

NEIL ASHTON AT UPTON PARK: West Ham came from behind to beat Southampton at Upton Park on Monday night to end a run of eight Premier League games without a win.

PLAYER RATINGS: Courtois and De Gea shine between the posts to keep out Herrera and Matic in draw

PLAYER_RATINGS-De-Gea-Courtios.jpg Manchester United and Chelsea played out a goalless draw at Old Trafford. Sportsmail's CHRIS WHEELER rates the performance of both sets of players following the clash at Old Trafford.

Norwich 2-0 Aston Villa: Howson and Mbokani pile misery on to Garde

SAM CUNNINGHAM AT CARROW ROAD: Aston Villa moved closer towards the Premier League trap door after goals from Jonny Howson and Dieumerci Mbokani gave the hosts all three points.

West Brom 1-0 Newcastle: Fletcher's late header seals deserved win

Football Soccer - West Bromwich Albion v Newcastle United - Barclays Premier League - The Hawthorns - 28/12/15
 Darren Fletcher celebrates scoring the first goal for West Brom with Victor Anichebe
 Action Images via Reuters / Alex Morton
 Livepic
 EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.  Please contact your account representative for further details. LAURIE WHITWELL AT THE HAWTHORNS: Darren Fletcher headed the only goal of the game as West Brom sealed all three points and heaped further pressure on woeful Newcastle.

Cech breaks Premier League clean sheet record held by James as Arsenal keeper records 170th shutout

ff The 33-year-old finally surpassed former England No 1 David James, earning a record 170 Premier League clean sheets in just 352 appearances for both Chelsea and Arsenal.

Everton 3-4 Stoke: Arnautovic scores late penalty in seven-goal thriller

Football Soccer - Everton v Stoke City - Barclays Premier League - Goodison Park - 28/12/15
 Stoke's Marko Arnautovic celebrates scoring their fourth goal with Joselu
 Action Images via Reuters / Carl Recine
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 EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.  Please contact your account representative for further details. DOMINIC KING AT GOODISON PARK: Marko Arnautovic scored a stoppage-time penalty to ensure his side came away from Goodison Park with all three points.

Crystal Palace 0-0 Swansea: Pardew's side extend unbeaten run to six

SAMI MOKBEL AT SELHURST PARK: In a tense encounter in south London, Alan Pardew's Europe chasing Crystal Palace were held by a resolute Swansea.

England on course for glory as Root makes South Africa suffer on day three of first Test

England impressive in Durban as they take control of first Test against South Africa
PAUL NEWMAN IN DURBAN: Day three of the first Test is an early stage for the wheels to come off the wagon of the best team in the world but South Africa were reduced to a sorry mess here as England moved into position to take a powerful grip on this series. What a day for England and what a nightmare for South Africa captain Hashim Amla whose desperate fight to avoid defeat in this opening salvo was made even tougher by the loss of the world's best bowler in Dale Steyn.

United fans sell Mourinho scarves ahead of Chelsea clash... so, is it game over for Van Gaal?

Manchester United fans sell Jose Mourinho merchandise ahead of Chelsea clash
With Van Gaal's Old Trafford future looking bleak, supporters have jumped the gun by publicly showing a sign of support for Mourinho.

You're lucky to even be on the bench, Berahino is warned by furious Pulis

Saido Berahino appears to have angered the West Brom boss for his conduct over Christmas and has been overlooked in favour of Victor Anichebe, who has not started a game since September.

Bamford terminates Crystal Palace loan early after growing frustrated at a lack first-team opportunities

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 28:  Kyle Naughton of Swansea City and Patrick Bamford of Crystal Palace compete for the ball during the Barclays Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Swansea City at Selhurst Park on December 28, 2015 in London, England.  (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images) The England Under 21 star was due to remain at Selhurst Park until the end of the season. But the youngster has grown increasingly frustrated at his lack of action under Alan Pardew.

Benitez was 'two hours' away from being appointed West Ham manager before Real Madrid swooped for him

West Ham were two hours away from appointing Rafael Benitez as their new manager before he took over at Real Madrid. The Hammers ultimately appointed former Croatia coach Slaven Bilic.

Son shines for Spurs with cheeky winner to propel Pochettino's men into title race

Watford 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur: Son Heung-min nets dramatic late winner after Nathan Ake
Tottenham Hotspur substitute Son-Heung Min scored the winner for Tottenham Hotspur against Watford with a delicious flick in the 89th minute at Vicarage Road. Nathan Ake was sent off just after the hour mark having caught Erik Lamela high on the left leg in a nasty-looking challenge which infuriated the Spurs players. Lamela gave Tottenham Hotspur a 17th minute lead over Watford at Vicarage Road with a sublime finish but Odion Ighalo pegged the north Londoners back after over-powering the Spurs backline on 41 minutes.

Ake sent off after knee-high horror challenge on Spurs goalscorer Lamela

Watford left back Nathan Ake sent off against Tottenham Hotspur after high horror
Watford left back Nathan Ake was dismissed by referee Anthony Taylor against Tottenham Hotspur following a high horror challenge on Spurs goalscorer Erik Lamela.

TRANSFER COLUMN: Monaco monitoring Everton forward Mirallas as Bournemouth eye McCormack

Football Soccer - Newcastle United v Everton - Barclays Premier League - St James' Park - 26/12/15
 Everton's Kevin Mirallas shoots
 Reuters / Russell Cheyne
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 EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.  Please contact your account representative for further details. Monaco are monitoring developments with Everton forward Kevin Mirallas. The Belgium international made a rare start in the win over Newcastle on Boxing Day.

Disgraced New York star who was banned for life for match fixing is shot dead in El Salvador aged 33

El Salvador's Alfredo Pacheco celebrates his goal against Belize during their Central American Nations Cup UNCAF soccer match in Tegucigalpa January 24, 2009.   REUTERS/Edgard Garrido(HONDURAS) - RTR23TXU Former Red Bulls player Alfredo Pacheco, 33, was shot dead while chatting to a group of friends in a petrol station in El Salvador.

Neville ready for massive week with derby against Villarreal and visit of mighty Real Madrid to Valencia

PETE JENSON: Gary Neville is preparing for the two biggest games of his fledgling managerial career against Villarreal and Real Madrid in the midst of a major injury crisis.

Klopp heaps praise on 'quality' Benteke but wants Liverpool No 9 to get involved

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp heaps praise on 'quality' Christian Benteke but wants his No 9
DOMINIC KING: Jurgen Klopp has urged Christian Benteke to get more involved in games as the striker looks to build on the goal he hopes will spark an upturn in form. The Belgium international will spearhead Liverpool's attack on Wednesday in Sunderland after scoring the winner against Leicester on Saturday; with injuries affecting Divock Origi, Danny Ings and Daniel Sturridge to varying extents, Benteke has a chance to cement his starting place. Klopp is reluctant to put pressure on Benteke, who cost Liverpool £32.5million when he arrived from Aston Villa in July, but he has spoken at length with the 25-year-old and has reinforced what he wants to see from him in the future.

Madine hits winner for Bolton to hand under-fire Lennon's side second victory of the season

Bolton 1-0 Blackburn: Gary Madine scores crucial winner for Trotters to earn Neil Lennon's
Gary Madine secured Bolton's first win since September and just their second this season with a 77th minute strike against Blackburn. The win eases the pressure on under-fire boss Neil Lennon. Blackburn's defenders were left kicking themselves after allowing Madine to chest a long throw over his head six yards from goal before turning to poke the ball into the bottom corner.

Middlesbrough 1-0 Sheff Wed: Boro go top thanks to Stuani's early goal

Football Soccer - Middlesbrough v Sheffield Wednesday - Sky Bet Football League Championship - The Riverside Stadium - 28/12/15
 Christian Stuani celebrates scoring the first goal for Middlesbrough 
 Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Lee Smith
 Livepic
 EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.  Please contact your account representative for further details. The Uruguayan struck after just 44 seconds to notch his sixth goal of the season - a goal which gave Boro their ninth home win of the campaign - and send them two points clear at the top of the table.

QPR 1-1 Huddersfield: Late Wells free kick denies Hassebaink first win

JAMES ANDREW: Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's honeymoon period appears to be over after Nahki Wells late free kick for Huddersfield extended QPR's winless run to five games.

Birmingham 1-0 MK Dons: Magic Maghoma strike help stop slide

Jacques Maghoma produced the sort of Strictly Come Dancing footwork which could have lit up a ballroom as he scored the only goal of the game to down MK Dons at St Andrew's.

Sterling shows off new mop-top haircut as Man City stars prepares for top-of-the-table clash against unlikely leaders Leicester

Raheem Sterling dons new hairstyle as Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini warns his
Raheem Sterling appears to have taken a 'new year, new me' approach by changing his hairstyle ahead of the start of 2016. The England international, who scored in Manchester City's 4-1 Boxing Day win over Sunderland, showed off his new hairstyle to his team-mates as he prepared for his side's next match. Sterling will be hoping his change of image does not stop him from replicating his goalscoring performance when City take on the Premier League leaders.

Real Madrid star Bale shows off his softer side after surprising youngster with Christmas presents during hospital visit

Real Madrid star Gareth Bale surprises young patient with Christmas presents during
Gareth Bale has made a three-year-old's dreams come true after visiting the boy while he was ill in hospital over Christmas. The Real Madrid star, who was at Cardiff University Hospital with his pregnant girlfriend Emma Rhys-Jones, is currently making the most of La Liga's winter break in Wales. The 26-year-old took time out to visit the hospital and hand out gifts to sick youngsters, including Jayden Ashford.

Preston topple Hull as Gallagher grabs second-half winner while Gray scores hat-trick in Burnley's win over City

Football Soccer - Preston North End v Hull City - Sky Bet Football League Championship - Deepdale - 28/12/15
 Preston's Paul Gallagher celebrates scoring their first goal
 Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Ryan Browne
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Kompany fears missing 'best years' as Manchester City boss Pellegrini bemoans captain's injury setback

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26:  The injured Vincent Kompany of Manchester City is consoled by teammate Martin Demichelis as he walks off the pitch after only just coming on as a second half substitute during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium on December 26, 2015 in Manchester, England.  (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) Vincent Kompany tried to continue, hobbling manfully, but later rued the fact that persistent 'small injuries' are robbing him of his best years.

West Brom and Watford keen on Townsend with Baggies needing to sell Berahino before making move

Football - Capital One Cup - Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal. Pic shows:- Kieran Gibbs on Andros Townsend West Brom and Watford have made opening enquiries about Tottenham winger Andros Townsend. Albion boss Tony Pulis is not blessed with transfer funds this window and will likely need to sell first.

Australia in control of the second Test despite West Indies first innings fightback

Australia in control of the second Test despite West Indies first innings fightback
West Indies enjoyed by far their best day of the second Test on day three but Australia remained firmly in the box seat at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Having started day three on 91 for six, the Windies were in danger of being humiliated as they responded to Australia's 551 for three declared. But Darren Bravo (81) and debutant Carlos Brathwaite (59) dug deep to help them recover to 271 all out. Australia chose not to enforce the follow-on when play resumed after tea and reached 179 for three at the close, a lead of 459 runs.

Guptill smashes 93 off just 30 balls as New Zealand nail 10-wicket victory over Sri Lanka

Martin Guptill smashes 93 off 30 balls as New Zealand cruise to 10-wicket win over Sri
Matt Henry (four for 33) and Mitchell McClenaghan (three for 32) had made light work of the Sri Lanka batting line-up, skittling the tourists for just 117 from 27.4 overs after they had chosen to bat first at Hagley Oval.

BUMBLE AT THE TEST: No more curry for me in Durban... and no more Come On Eileen at Tests, please!

Dexy's Midnight Runners ? evidently before their raggle-taggle gipsy look took hold.

Dexy's Midnight Runners
free pic Former England cricketer David Lloyd reviews day three of the Boxing Day Test between England and South Africa in Durban as the wheels come off for the best team in the world.

South Africa dealt huge blow as Steyn is forced off clutching shoulder but returns to play hoping to turn Test

The man long ranked the best bowler in the world Dale Steyn has only just returned from a groin injury that forced him out of South Africa's tour of India but struggled with a shoulder complaint.

MARTIN SAMUEL: Here's what United need to do... buy Harry Kane

There is still one way to arrest the slide at United. It may be more expensive than hiring Jose Mourinho or sacking Louis van Gaal, but they could put in a bid for Harry Kane.

Burgess marries his stunning bride in lavish ceremony at her Australian home in front of 200 guests including Russell Crowe

Inside Sam Burgess and Phoebe Hooke's wedding at her parents' country estate
Rugby superstar Sam Burgess and his partner Phoebe Hooke have tied the knot in a lavish ceremony at her parent's sprawling home in Bowral, in the Southern Highlands, in front of 200 guests. Phoebe was dressed in a custom Alex Perry gown, with her bridesmaids in the same label. Sam and his groomsmen donned Georgio Armani suits for the wedding which took place in front of 200 guests. White ribbons adorned the bridal walkway between Phoebe's parent's home and a gazebo erected in the house's grounds where the couple, who met at an Avicii concert in 2014. said 'I do' under candlelight.

Ibrahimovic refuses to rule out Qatar move as PSG train in sunny Middle East

Zlatan Ibrahimovic refuses to rule out Qatar move as PSG train in sunny Doha
Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and his team-mates are currently in the Middle East for their winter break, where they will also be joined by Inter Milan as they train at the Aspire Centre.

Guardiola yet to decide his future, insists agent as Manchester City await news on Spaniard

Pep Guardiola might still take a year off once his three-year stint as Bayern Munich manager comes to an end, with agent Josep Maria Orobitg revealing he is yet to make a decision on his future.

Allardyce chasing January recruits as boss admits Sunderland squad needs strengthening to avoid relegation

Sunderland's captain John O'Shea, right, vies for the ball with Watford's Allan Nyom, left, during the English Premier League soccer match between Sunderland and Watford at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland, England.


Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell) Sam Allardyce has revealed Sunderland will look for overseas recruits during the January transfer window, primarily to tighten their leaky defence ahead of the league clash with Liverpool.

Ajax join race for highly-rated Chelsea youngster Traore

Mandatory Credit: Photo by TGSPhoto/REX/Shutterstock (5176645e).. Bertrand Traore of Chelsea was selected for the Under 21 team during Chelsea U21 vs Reading U21 at Stamford Bridge.. Chelsea U21 v Reading U21, Barclays U21 Premier League, Football, Stamford Bridge, London, Britain - 25 Sep 2015.. .. Chelsea striker Bertrand Traore is wanted on loan by Ajax, who are deep in talks to strike a deal early in the transfer window. Traore, 20, enjoyed a successful season at Vitesse Arnhem.

Chelsea prodigy Feruz set to halt Hibernian loan to spark Championship scramble over move

Islam Feruz hasn't started a single game for Hibs since arriving in the summer with MK Dons, Brentford, Leeds, Rotherham and Charlton among the clubs interested in the striker.

Wenger reveals ANOTHER Wilshere injury setback: 'He will not be back before February, that's for sure'

Arsenal's English midfielder Jack Wilshere lies injured during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium in London on November 22, 2014. 

AFP PHOTO/ADRIAN DENNIS  RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR LIVE SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS.        (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images) Jack Wilshere has given Arsenal another massive injury blow after Arsene Wenger revealed that the midfielder will not return before February.

Lampard denies Chelsea conspiracy and says the demise is down to the players not performing on the pitch for Mourinho

Frank Lampard denies Chelsea conspiracy theory claim and says the demise is down to the
Following his success at the Globe Soccer Awards, Frank Lampard was a guest speaker at a football workshop alongside his New York City team-mate Andrea Pirlo. The former Chelsea midfielder looked in good spirits in Dubai as he engaged with the audience at the conference and spoke about his career on the pitch. Lampard has been in Dubai to collect a trophy at the Globe Soccer Awards after being honoured with the 'Player Career Award.'

Ronaldo will spend the next four, five, six, seven years at Real Madrid and retire at the club, claims Mendes

Cristiano Ronaldo will spend the next four, five, six, seven years at Real Madrid and
In response to the speculation linking Cristiano Ronaldo with various clubs over the past few months, the three-time Ballon d'Or winner's agent Jorge Mendes has declared that Real Madrid will be the forward's last side. Mendes picked up an award at Sunday's Globe Soccer awards gala in Dubai and emphatically revealed that his client will remain in La Liga with Real.

Racing reflects as Sportsmail looks back at the names sadly lost in 2015

A s the year draws to its conclusion, Racing Correspondent Marcus Townend remembers some of the human and equine names that the world of racing has lost during the last 12 months.

Klopp calls for Sturridge patience as striker suggests he is 'good to go'

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 24:  (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool in action during a training session at Melwood Training Ground on December 24, 2015 in Liverpool, England.  (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images) Jurgen Klopp will resist the temptation to recall Daniel Sturridge for Liverpool's remaining festive fixtures to prevent the striker suffering further injury.

Fulham chief Khan defiant over his long-winded recruitment process

Fulham owner Shahid Khan celebrates after Steve Sidwell scores his team's second goal. 
Relegation favourites Palace looked every inch a doomed side as they were thrashed by Fulham - Pajtim Kasami and Steve Sidwell among the goalscorers with stunning strikes - to sit with three points from eight games. It proved the nadir, however, as Ian Holloway left as and the inspirational appointment of Tony Pulis followed, sparking a remarkable survival charge. See PA story SOCCER Premier League Relegation. Photo credit should read: Adam Davy/PA Wire Fulham owner Shahid Khan has defended the recruitment process which ended this week with the confirmation of Slavisa Jokanovic as the club's new head coach.

Jose never did this! Hiddink, 69, leads the Chelsea workout in his shellsuit ahead of bid to end Van Gaal's reign at United

Guus Hiddink leads Chelsea players through bizarre morning stretches routine ahead of
Louis van Gaal admitted he is unsure how to solve the growing crisis at Manchester United, but if the Dutchman loses his job following another defeat against Chelsea at Old Trafford, he may have wished he'd taken a leaf out of Guus Hiddink's book with this bizarre public exercise routine. The 69-year-old Hiddink - dressed in an official club shellsuit - took his players out on a morning walk ahead of his side's clash with his compatriot later on Monday, and his decision to include a spontaneous public stretching session will be deemed ingenious if his side prevails at the home of the Red Devils. Christmas sales shoppers were given a treat as the defending champions, who travelled up to Manchester on Sunday and spent the night in a nearby hotel, decided a good stretch in the open air would blow away the cobwebs with several hours remaining before the evening kick-off.

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Season at a glance


  • Premier League
  • Premier League
  • Championship
  • League One
  • League Two
  • Scottish Premiership
  • Scottish Div 1
  • Scottish Div 2
  • Scottish Div 3
  • Ligue 1
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  • Barclays Premier League

    PosTeamPWDLGDPts
    1Arsenal1912341539
    2Leicester City1811521238
    3Tottenham Hotspur199821835
    4Manchester City1811251735
    5Crystal Palace19946731
    6Manchester United19865630
    7West Ham United19784529
    8Watford19856429
    9Stoke City19856129
    10Liverpool18765-127
    11Everton19685726
    12Southampton19667324
    13West Bromwich Albion19658-623
    14Chelsea19559-620
    15Norwich City19559-1020
    16Bournemouth19559-1220
    17Swansea City19478-819
    18Newcastle United194510-1517
    19Sunderland183312-1812
    20Aston Villa191513-198
  • Fixtures

    Tuesday 29 December

    19:45Leicester v. Man City

    Wednesday 30 December

    19:45Sunderland v. Liverpool

    Saturday 2 January

    12:45West Ham v. Liverpool
    15:00Arsenal v. Newcastle
    15:00Leicester v. Bournemouth
    15:00Man Utd v. Swansea
    15:00Norwich v. Southampton
    15:00Sunderland v. Aston Villa
    15:00West Brom v. Stoke
    17:30Watford v. Man City

    Sunday 3 January

    13:30Crystal Palace v. Chelsea
    16:00Everton v. Tottenham

    Tuesday 12 January

    19:45Aston Villa v. Crystal Palace
    19:45Bournemouth v. West Ham
    19:45Newcastle v. Man Utd

    Wednesday 13 January

    19:45Chelsea v. West Brom
    19:45Man City v. Everton
    19:45Southampton v. Watford
    19:45Stoke v. Norwich
    19:45Swansea v. Sunderland
    20:00Liverpool v. Arsenal
    20:00Tottenham v. Leicester
  • Fixtures

    There are no fixtures for the specified dates.

    Fixtures

    Monday 28 December

    FTWest Ham2 - 1Southampton
    FTMan Utd0 - 0Chelsea
    FTArsenal2 - 0Bournemouth
    FTWest Brom1 - 0Newcastle
    FTWatford1 - 2Tottenham
    FTNorwich2 - 0Aston Villa
    FTEverton3 - 4Stoke
    FTCrystal Palace0 - 0Swansea

    Saturday 26 December

    FTSouthampton4 - 0Arsenal
    FTNewcastle0 - 1Everton
    FTTottenham3 - 0Norwich
    FTSwansea1 - 0West Brom
    FTMan City4 - 1Sunderland
    FTLiverpool1 - 0Leicester
    FTChelsea2 - 2Watford
    FTBournemouth0 - 0Crystal Palace
    FTAston Villa1 - 1West Ham
    FTStoke2 - 0Man Utd

    Monday 21 December

    FTArsenal2 - 1Man City

    Sunday 20 December

    FTSwansea0 - 0West Ham
    FTWatford3 - 0Liverpool

    Saturday 19 December

    FTNewcastle1 - 1Aston Villa
    FTWest Brom1 - 2Bournemouth
    FTStoke1 - 2Crystal Palace
    FTSouthampton0 - 2Tottenham
    FTMan Utd1 - 2Norwich
    FTEverton2 - 3Leicester
    FTChelsea3 - 1Sunderland

    Monday 14 December

    FTLeicester2 - 1Chelsea

    Sunday 13 December

    FTTottenham1 - 2Newcastle
    FTLiverpool2 - 2West Brom
    FTAston Villa0 - 2Arsenal

    Saturday 12 December

    FTBournemouth2 - 1Man Utd
    FTWest Ham0 - 0Stoke
    FTSunderland0 - 1Watford
    FTMan City2 - 1Swansea
    FTCrystal Palace1 - 0Southampton
    FTNorwich1 - 1Everton

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PSG defender Luiz does his best dolphin impression using Flyboard in Brazil

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Leyton Orient play down owner's kick at No 2 Hessenthaler

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MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 25: Jackson Arley Martinez (L) of Atletico de Madrid scores their opening goal during the La Liga amtch between Club Atletico de Madrid and Valencia CF at Vicente Calderon Stadium on October 25, 2015 in Madrid, Spain.  (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images) The idea of a swap deal between Diego Costa and Atletico Madrid's Jackson Martinez has emerged in Spain of late, and the Colombian's agent has now added fuel to the speculation.

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Don't lose this one, Ed! Former Labour minister Balls is unveiled as Norwich chairman... and he's hoping to secure long-term Premier League future

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Neymar is my heir, says Ronaldinho as legendary Brazilian tips Barcelona star to become the next iconic Brazil No 10

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Man United keeper Johnstone targeted by six Championship clubs

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Jones' Japan set-piece guru Dal Maso open to reuniting with England coach

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INS News Agency Ltd...20/12/2015
*************** Picture by Kerry Davies ***************
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